Abstract

OBJECTIVE(S) : To find out whether placental laterality as determined by ultrasound can be used as a predictor of
development of preeclampsia.
METHOD(S): In this prospective study, a total of 426 unselected singleton pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic were included. The location of the placenta was determined by ultrasound at 18-24 weeks. The end point of the study was the development of preeclampsia as per the ACOG criteria or delivery.
RESULTS: Out of 426 antenatal women, 324 had central placenta and 102 had unilateral placenta. A total of 71 women developed preeclampsia, of which 52 (74%) had unilaterally located placenta at 20-24 weeks. This relationship was statistically highly significant (P<0.0001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of using placental laterality as a screening test were 73%, 86%, 51% and 94% respectively.
CONCLUSION(S): Placental laterality as determined by ultrasound at 18-24 weeks; is a simple yet reliable and cost effective predictive screening test for development of preeclampsia.